Australian Forests & Timber - February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

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I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R

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In the news

Threat to WA’s mill owners

Claim on contracts, miss out on compo deal

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A mills have been told that any attempt to seek legal redress over any breach of contract would result in them missing out on any compensation from the Government’s $50 million transition package for logging businesses impacted by the native logging ban.

The State Government’s shock decision last year to end harvesting of native forests by 2023 was met with a commitment by the Premier Mark McGowan to honour current contracts of supplied sawlog until that date.

However Shadow Forestry Minister Steve Martin said there had been multiple instances where the Government has told mills they will receive just half their contracted tonnages, with at least one mill receiving just one third.

“Any timber business that challenges Forestry Minister Dave Kelly’s arrogant decision have been threatened with missing out on any compensation package,” he said.

Federal Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said he appalled by the brazen bullying and shameful conduct of the WA Labor Government.

“Labor has already broken another promise to timber businesses,” he said.

“You simply cannot trust the word of Labor when it comes to forestry.

“First they shut the industry down without consultation, and then they hold it to ransom by threatening to remove compensation packages if businesses stick up for themselves against this unconscionable behaviour.”

The WA Government has so far batted away questions over letters sent to mill owners.

The letter comes as the Government has been accused of dragging its feet over the Native Forest Transition Group and its subgroups which were set up to supply support packages for workers affected by the ban native logging by 2024.

Forest Industries Federation WA Chief Executive Officer Adele Farina said www.timberbiz.com.au

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this was unacceptable and called on the government to stop dragging its feet and remove its vicelike grip over the NFTG and its subgroups.

“When announcing its decision to cease native forestry by the end of 2023, the State Government promised to support workers, businesses and communities through the transition process,” Ms Farina said.

“That was more than four months ago. Workers and businesses are still waiting on the government to finalise the promised support packages.”

Ms Farina said the transition process had been hindered by the State Government’s vicelike grip on the work of the NFTG and the subgroups.

She said everything was vetted by the State Government before being presented at a meeting, micromanaging the work of the NFTG and subgroups and preventing them from doing the work they have been appointed to do.

“Minister Kelly’s handling of this vital industry has been a disgrace. No consultation, no explanation, no plan for the future, no concern for local jobs and now threats for raising concerns about a manifestly unfair deal,” Mr Martin said.

State governments failing to justify forestry closures see page 6 “Labor has failed to deliver contractual promises made to WA’s timber industry despite Premier Mark McGowan promising to fulfil current contracts.”

Mr Martin said the State Government had proven it is not committed to WA businesses, leaving the WA timber industry high and dry.

“The Premier and Forestry Minister have added insult to injury for the WA timber sector by failing to deliver on the contracts for logs in 2022,” he said.

“The government has to stand by the contracts that are in place and not further cut timber supply to the timber mills in WA’s South West.

“The communities already reeling by the Government’s shock decision to shut down hard wood logging have been dealt another blow by this latest betrayal,” Mr Martin said.

“Contracts are in place.

The mills rightfully expected a certain amount of timber this year under a longstanding agreement with the government and now find those contracts aren’t worth the paper they are written on.”

Senator Duniam said the State government in WA was pushing the industry into an unviable position to try to force them out.

“Just as they have done in Victoria,” he said.

“The arrogance and blatant disregard for hardworking people in regional areas is a disgrace, and the Labor party should be ashamed of themselves.”

With no further meetings of the Business or Worker Subgroups scheduled before the next meeting of the NFTG to be held on February 3, Ms Farina said it appeared the packages will not be presented to the February NFTG meet-

ing, unless the government proposes to do so by bypassing the subgroups it established to draft the packages.

“This would be the final insult in what has been a shambolic process to date,” she said.

“How much pain and uncertainty does this government want to inflict on timber businesses and workers?

“For more than four months Industry has been urging the government for clarity and certainty. Industry has no greater clarity and certainty today than it had when the announcement was made.”

New farm forestry program

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new farm forestry program, Decision Tree, has been launched in WA aimed at assessing the suitability of farms for plantation forestry, as well as providing information and assistance to landowners seeking to plant trees.

Through Decision Tree’s unique assessment tool, farmers or landowners simply add in a few details such as their location and rainfall and the result will tell them if farm forestry is a potentially profitable crop choice.

From there, landowners have a choice of investment models and how closely they choose to work with industry professionals to manage the trees and assist in maximising carbon credits.

“Decision Tree is a culmination of industry collaboration and a lot of hard work, so we are extremely proud for today’s official launch,” SWTH Project Manager Wendy Perdon said.

“Decision Tree will allow farmers and landowners to quickly assess if forestry is a profitable option, factoring in their local conditions, distance to mill, alternative land uses and carbon prices to generate a potential profit margin.

“If the result generates interest, Decision Tree has different investment models to select from depending on how hands-on the landowner wishes to be in their farm forestry project.”

Mrs Perdon said this was just the first phase of Decision Tree, with further development and program expansion

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

South West Timber Hub Project Manager •Wendy Perdon and the Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino.

planned for the next 12 months, including turning the assessment tool into a web-based application.

The phase two expansion will utilise funding of $500,000 from an agreement between the Commonwealth and WA Government.

Input and resources from Wespine and the Forest Products Commission have also been critical to the creation of Decision Tree.

The Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino officially launched the program, warmly welcoming the Decision Tree initiative.

“Decision Tree will help landholders determine how beneficial commercial plantations can be on their land,” Mrs Marino said.

“It will take into account the particular circumstances of their land and how well suited it is for timber production.

“It will enable the commercial interests of landholders to align with the needs of the forest products sector. The emergence of carbon markets adds an exciting dimension to this decision process,” she said.

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My view

FEBRUARY 2022 Issue 1 – Volume 31 Established 1991 News My View Silviculture Machinery Mill profile

3 ― 14 4, 8 16 17 ― 21 32-33

Front Cover: Komatsu’s new Forest Xtreme PC300HW will soon be heading to Australia.

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4

The world wants wood this is undisputed F orestry and the wood it produces, has a role to play in addressing climate change, but attitudes need to change. It is an ongoing obstruction – the rigid divide between science and emotion that if not resolved will leave us scratching our heads and unable to move forward on climate change.

Following decades of campaigning, the misinformation around Tasmanian forestry has resulted in less investment and less trees in the ground than there could and should be.

The world wants wood.

This is undisputed and the demand is growing by the day as outcomes from the COP26 in Glasgow are implemented by governments and industries around the world.

Any business that is environmentally conscious is currently looking at how they can replace metals, concrete and plastic from their products, their packaging and their supply chains to lower their environmental footprint.

And there is one product the world is talking about – wood.

Problem is that past and

MY VIEW Nick Steel CEO, Tasmanian Forest Products Association

present politicians and environmental activists have created empires by condemning forestry without considering of the bigger picture.

But now, the outcomes from Glasgow and the scientific community have put the environmental politicians squarely on the wrong side of history as they continue to slow progress to real climate action.

They will tell you they “support plantation forestry but not native” however, as recent letters to the edi-

tor prove, this is just political opportunism. They will again, as they have done in the past, change this stance to ensure political relevance.

We need a diverse forestry industry.

Engineered timber products, bio-composite materials, construction grade timbers and ply, dressed timber products and some of the highest quality fibre in the world is coming out of Tasmania.

But to continue to be successful, to continue to be a part of the solution to climate change, these products will always need to come from a variety of tree species.

A diversified industry is stronger, more varied and more able to invent and create the environmentally friendly products of the future.

If you have built a house recently you would know all too well the high demand for all species of timber.

Australia imports around 25% of our framing timber simply because we do not grow enough here.

To understand why you need to look back 15 to 20 years, to when these plan-

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tation trees needed to go in the ground. The extreme pressure from the environmental politicians and activists, who were dead against expanding plantation forestry at the time, put downward pressure on plantations and investment.

They selfishly politicised plantation forestry to get themselves elected, and we are paying the price for that today.

Now proven wrong about plantation forestry they have other species in their sights, longer growing species that we need in the ground today so that they too will be available in the future.

So where to from here?

Well just like the attitude flip on plantation timber from 15 years ago, it is time to accept the fact that sustainable, mixed species forestry is the future, for both people and for the climate.

It’s time we catch up to the rest of the world in understanding and celebrating the benefits of forestry products and appreciate what our local industry produces, because it really is the best product on earth and is part of the solution to climate change.

Time to take notice of Tasmania

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he Tasmanian Government is certainly putting its money where its mouth is in terms of forestry and timber.

An investment of $1.2 billion in a calculated bid to gain higher returns by increasing value-added production is hardly spare change.

Seven projects around Tasmania will share in a $6 million investment to help turn existing wood supplies, as well as wood residues, into higher-value products.

As Tasmanian Forest Products Association CEO Nick Steel said, the program recognises and supports Tasmania’s timber industry to continue to transform and develop into world leading producers.

The successful projects will add value to the cur-

rent timber harvest, better utilise wood waste, help insulate the industry from international commodity markets, reduce the need for imported wood products and support the construction industry locally.

If only some other States would take notice of how the Tasmanian Government is prepared to back its forestry and timber industries.

The Victorian Government, when asked anything about how it is treating its native timber industry in particular, repeats its mantra that it “is investing more than $200 million for affected businesses, workers and their local communities to

transition away from native timber harvesting, while providing an additional $110 million for new plantations that will support a sustainable future for our timber industry”.

The WA Government simply says nothing other than to threaten mill owners that any attempt to seek legal redress over any breach of contract because of shortage of supply would result in them missing out on any compensation from the Government’s $50 million transition package for logging businesses impacted by the native logging ban.

Bad luck that delivered volumes for the month of January fell well short of the 50 per cent reduced volumes the State Government said it would deliver.

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

According to the Forest Industries Association (WA), the Premier Mark McGowan, in response to media inquiries, has barely stopped short of accusing the industry of being greedy.

In both cases, neither has bothered to reply to Federal Assistant Minister for Forestry Senator Jonno Duniam who late last year wrote to the Victorian and Western Australian governments requesting they produce the science underpinning their announcements to cease native forestry operations in 2030 and 2024 respectively.

It’s time the governments of Victoria and Western Australia addressed the issues instead of offering thinly veiled threats and meaningless platitudes. www.timberbiz.com.au

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In the news SA wants 50m trees planted South Australia’s forest products industry wants 50 million new trees planted to ensure South Australian’s have access to cheap, environmentally efficient structural timber framing for decades to come.

The peak body representing the entire forest products value chain in South Australian this week launched its State Election Policy Platform headlined by a call to stop the loss of the estate and for the State’s political parties to back a KPI to plant 50 million trees.

The South Australian State election will be held on March 19.

“South Australia’s forest products industry has underpinned the State’s growth since the 1800s but with a looming, longterm global fiber shortage, we need our political parties to sign up to a unity ticket of getting more trees in the ground, ” South Australian Forest Products Association CEO Nathan said.

“Our election platform is about reinforcing the importance of the industry to South Australia and the community, to securing the long-term future of the industry in South Australia and the employment it provides and to supercharging a new domestic manufacturing wave to drive local job creation whilst creating a cleaner future for all through sequestering carbon.

Mr Paine said that in South Australia alone around 50,000 hectares of timber estate had been lost through discriminatory policies such as water, planning and infrastructure as well as bushfire.

“We are now five minutes to midnight and can wait no longer to get more trees in the ground to protect our fiber needs into the future,” he said.

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State governments failing to justify forestry closures T he Victorian and Western Australian state Labor governments have failed to justify their native forestry closures with science after reportedly ignoring requests for the data underpinning their decisions.

Forestry Australia wants the Western Australian Government to release scientific evidence in justification of its decision to end native forest harvesting, and late last year Federal Assistant Minister for Forestry Senator Jonno Duniam, on behalf of the Commonwealth as a partner in the Regional Forestry Agreements (RFAs), wrote to the Victorian and Western Australian governments requesting they produce the science underpinning their announcements to cease native forestry operations in 2030 and 2024 respectively.

Senator Duniam later said

he had received no reply from either state.

Forestry Australia President Bob Gordon said the association was concerned the decision to end native harvesting by 2023 was not based on science demonstrated poor understanding of WA’s world-class forest management practices and would result in increased imports of wood products from countries with lower management standards.

“We are calling on the government to publish the scientific evidence that it used as a basis for the decision and its claim that halting native harvesting in WA will protect native forests,” Mr Gordon said.

“This thought-bubble policy is out of step with the rest of the world, which views well-regulated, sustainable native forest management and biodiverse plantings as the preferred source of timber, because

of their positive contribution to climate change mitigation, biodiversity and forest resilience.

“Forestry should be viewed as a key part of the solution, not as a problem,” he said.

Mr Gordon said that sustainable and science-based forest management can help address many of the challenges of our modern world including addressing climate change, mitigating catastrophic fire, supporting biodiversity, supporting Traditional Owner self-determination and providing timber and other forest products, which are renewable and climate friendly resources that are in increasingly short supply and high demand.

“The decision by the Western Australian Government ignores these facts and will instead force WA to rely on timber imports from other countries, with associated

high carbon miles and risks of illegal logging and unsustainable harvesting,” he said.

“At the time of the announcement to end native forest harvesting in WA, the Government claimed that, ‘the ever increasing impacts of climate change, the importance of maintaining biodiversity and forest health, the need for carbon capture and storage, and declining timber yields mean that it is essential that we act now to protect WA’s forests’.

“Forestry Australia is calling on the Government to release its evidence to support this statement. We are seeking the evidence that the Western Australian Government used to support its claims that timber yields are declining significantly, and evidence that demonstrates the decline of the health of WA’s State Forests,” Mr Gordon said.

New AFCA chief hits the road

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he new head of the Australian Forest Contractors Association believes the industry needs to be less defensive in its public image and more showcasing of its value and importance.

Queensland-based Carlie Porteous, the new general manager of the Australian Forest Contractors Association, said that the industry has always been quite defensive as far as communications.

“So, you’ll start seeing a bit of a difference now with organizations like ours,” she said.

“More timely, consistent, positive messaging that really showcases our industry is something that we need to focus on. And you’ll see that a lot more into the future.”

Ms Porteous brings more than 10 years’ experience in the forestry industry to the role having previously worked with all aspects of the value chain; contractors, growers, processors and government agencies.

The Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath with new •Australian Forest Contractors Association general manager Carlie Porteous in Traralgon.

Her appointment on 1 December 2021 follows her role as manager, forestry and fibre compliance at Visy Industries, enhancing communication and collaboration with industry groups, supply chain members and customers to achieve a responsible supply chain across Visy’s manufacturing sectors.

Ms Porteous has expertise in FSC and PEFC certification systems and successfully managed the largest FSC chain of custody certificate within Australia while participating in a number of industry groups, including as a trustee on the board of the Gottstein Trust and a director of FSC Australia and New Zealand.

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

And she began her new role by meeting with members in Victoria’s Gippsland region from Central Highlands to Orbost, discussing the Victorian State Government decision to end native forestry.

“This decision is quite unfathomable,” Ms Porteous said.

“Our native hardwood species are naturally regenerating. Like farming, forestry is renewable and the future success is dependent on responsible practices,” she said.

“Many of these intergenerational businesses are harvesting coupes that their fathers and grandfathers before them sustainably harvested.

If we are not responsibly sourcing the product from our own backyard where is it going to come from?

“Connecting with our members to understand their needs is a priority for me,” Ms Porteous said.

“It may be an old saying, but it’s never been truer in these challenging times, we’re stronger together.” www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

India sets the pace with pellets Australia to benefit new import rules Philip Hopkins

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ndia’s new policy mandating that its coal-fired power stations must include 5 to 10 per cent of biomass pellets from October potentially paves the way for wood pellet imports from Australia.

Because of the size of India’s coal generation fleet, even at 5 per cent co-firing rates and even if all the generators do not fully comply, the demand for biomass derived from pellet fuel will be huge, according to consultants FutureMetrics. The US-based FutureMetrics specialises in analysing, operations and policy for the pellet sector.

India’s new policy, announced on October 8, is aimed mainly at domestic agricultural waste, but the country may emerge as a major new importer of wood pellets as power generators seek reliable supplies of biomass pellets.

“Even if only a small percentage of fuel is imported, the result is still a large number,” said FutureMetrics in a brief white paper.

“For example, if 5% of the total expected Indian demand is imported wood pellets, that amounts to about 2.4 million tonnes per year.”

At the national conference of Forestry Australia last year, the University of New England’s Professor Annette Cowie, who is the senior principal research scientist at the NSW Department of Primary Industries, said wood pellets from managed forests could play an important role in the world’s net zero emissions challenge.

FutureMetrics said India has a total of 267,482 megawatts of current and soon to be commissioned coalfuelled generation capacity.

Most were very small and many had closed, but the majority of the 45 plants under construction were supercritical and thus more efficient than conventional subcritical stations. Only two of the new power plants were rated as the even more efficient ultra-supercritical.

India produces 230 million tonnes per year of surplus agricultural waste, most of which is burned in the fields causing serious air pollution.

“The stated motive for the policy is to soak up the ag waste and limit open burning,” said FutureMetrics.

The consultancy calculated that, based on a capacity power plant factor of 60% and a co-firing ratio of 5%, Indian coal power stations would consume about 47.8 million tonnes per year of biomass pellets.

The energy density of pellet fuel, which was determined by the feed-

www.timberbiz.com.au

stock, the ash content and the final moisture content, w o u l d vary. “The conversion ratio of tonnes of raw ag waste to tonnes of pellets will depend primarily on the moisture content of the raw feedstock,” said FutureMetrics.

Some materials like dirt would also be separated from the feedstock.

On a ratio of two tonnes of feedstock to produce one tonne of biomass pellet fuel, FutureMetrics calculated that power stations would use 41.5% of the annual 230 million tonnes of surplus agricultural waste.

In 2021, the total global demand for wood pellets for power generation would be about 23 million tonnes. “India is essentially mandating that in one year from now, they will use pellet fuel in quantities that are about double of what is currently produced for use in power boilers,” FutureMetrics said.

However, India’s ambitious goal had several challenges. The ramp up would need immediate massive investment in new pellet manufacturing in a very short time; logistics issues included the need for extensive micro distribution networks and big dry storage warehousing; and pellets from ag by-products had challenges that wood pellets did not have.

Ag by-products were not continuous, only coming at harvest time, requiring big investment in feedstock storage buffers; materials could not be left in the fields or would rapidly deteriorate; and big investment in large-scale baling and storage of raw biomass pellet feedstocks.

FutureMetrics said the new policy, which would be in force for 25 years, did not explicitly rule out pellet fuel imports. “Filling the gap between demand and supply over the next several years could stimulate offtake agreements from south-east Asian wood pellet producing countries,” FutureMetrics said.

Wood pellets were now cheaper than thermal coal, whose prices were high. “This condition is unlikely to persist, but it does illuminate the potential economic value of substituting pellet fuel for coal,” FutureMetrics said.

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

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In the news BRIEFS WA Fresh face

Forestry Australia has launched a new website in the latest step of its identity refresh, offering members and the public enhanced access to forestry resources.

Forestry Australia CEO Jacquie Martin said the new website continued the association’s transformation from the Institute of Foresters of Australia and Australian Forest Growers name. The new website is www.forestry.org.au Mill upgrade

OneFortyOne has committed to investing over $11 million in its Jubilee Sawmill over the next two years.

Jubilee Sawmill General Manager Paul Hartung said the modern manufacturing investment was a continuation of the re-investment program that started in 2016.

This most recent commitment will extend to an equipment and technology upgrade for Drymill A, replacing and modernising equipment as it reaches end of life.

New AFPA NSW leader Australian Forest Products Association NSW has appointed Victor Violante as its new CEO. Mr Violante has been Deputy CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association for the past year. He replaces Sue Grau.

Prior to joining AFPA in 2016, Mr Violante held senior roles as a political adviser in policy and communications, and as a journalist.

Government offering no support, no explanation on native forestry ban F RUSTRATION and disappointment are two emotions which have been repeatedly felt since the WA Government’s decision to end native forestry by 2024.

The decision came on September 8, 2021, and despite promises of support and guidance to industry by WA Premier Mark McGowan, more than four months later no support packages have been finalised and industry remains none the wiser on what exactly they are expected to transition to.

The so called ‘Just Transition’ process has been shambolic.

Any attempted progress has been hampered by the State Government’s micromanagement of the whole fiasco, repeated cancellation of vital meetings and what seems to be a total lack of regard and respect for businesses, their workforce and the communities in which they reside.

Despite the Premier promising to honour contractual obligations to the end of

MY VIEW Adele Farina FIFWA Chief Executive Officer

2023, the State Government has subsequently advised it will not deliver base contract volumes. Many businesses have been advised 2022 supply volumes will be about 50 per cent less than the base contract volume, with one business told it will be supplied about one third of its base sawlog contract volume.

In response to media inquiries, the Premier barely stopped short of accus-

ing the industry of being greedy, saying supply was based on a seven-year average volume. A claim disputed by timber businesses.

The base contract volumes are well within the sustainable level of harvest in the current Forest Management Plan (2014-2023).

The State Government’s blatant disregard for its contractual obligations and contract law should ring alarm bells for all small businesses and industries in the state.

To add to insult, delivered volumes for the month of January fall well short of the 50 per cent reduced volumes the State Government said it would deliver.

The State Government is starving businesses out of the industry and delaying finalisation of support packages to avoid paying just compensation to impacted businesses.

With more than four months of State Government silence and inaction, workers needing job security and anxious over an uncertain future are seeking

Green ‘lawfare’ ban The Victorian Liberal-Nationals Coalition leadership team is drafting legislation to block anti-logging activists using the courts to delay or halt native timber harvesting.

Former harvest and haulage contractor and Coalition assistant forestry spokesman Gary Blackwood said if they won Government on November 26 the Coalition would “take action to prevent third party litigation against VicForests”.

VicForests already faces 10 court actions by environmental groups, with one of those leading Supreme Court Justice Melinda Jane Richards to last month slap injunctions on any coupe where a Greater Glider possum has been spotted.

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Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

secure employment in other industries. Critical worker resignations and drastically reduced supply volumes are having a crippling effect on business operations and viability.

In an added blow, the State Government has told timber businesses if they seek to exercise their legal rights with respect to compensation for breach of contract, the businesses will not receive a business closure payment.

The WA Government is holding timber businesses hostage and in a democratic society that is simply unacceptable.

Not only is the Government decision without scientific foundation, its incompetent management of the transition, is causing added and unnecessary financial and emotional stress on those most impacted by its bad decision.

The ‘Just Transition’ process requires that those workers and businesses most impacted by the policy decision should not disproportionality bear the financial burden. FIFWA calls on the State Government to honour this with just and timely compensation to workers and timber businesses forced to exit the industry because of the Government’s decision.

We have seen more than four months of pain, uncertainty and ambiguity and enough is enough.

Behind this baseless decision are real people, with families, living in regional communities – all waiting anxiously for the State Government to deliver promised support packages.

It defies belief that a State Government would make a decision to close a sustainably managed industry, calling on the industry to transition, yet have no idea of what industry is expected to transition to.

The WA Government needs to stop dragging its feet and take immediate action to clean up this mess it has created. www.timberbiz.com.au

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In the news

y Newly appointed CEO •Evangelista Albertini.

New CEO for Forico Forico has appointed Evangelista (Ange) Albertini as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Albertini will spend an initial transition period with outgoing CEO Bryan Hayes, who has led Forico since the company’s inception more than seven years ago.

Mr Hayes will move into a part-time role with Forico, focusing on industry advocacy, and will maintain his current positions as Chair of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) and Deputy Chair of the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network (TFFPN).

Mr Albertini brings an outstanding operational, technical and asset management skillset to the position, having delivered exceptional results in a series of key management and strategic roles over 19 years with Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s largest renewable energy producer. During that time, he distinguished himself as an innovative leader with the capacity to drive both exceptional business performance and transformational leadership.

“Ange will bring a new perspective from outside of industry as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Forico Board Chair and managing director of parent company New Forests Mark Rogers said.

“He is particularly skilled in asset management, renewable and sustainable resources, strategy and leadership, and importantly (and) he shares Forico’s commitment to meeting the highest social and environmental standards.”

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•

Dr Michelle Balasso at a Forico plantation during her studies and, below, and Dr Blasso and Dr Vilius Gendvilas at their graduation.

Graduates shine in Tassie F orestry PhD graduates Michelle Balasso and Vilius Gendvilas obtained their PhD degrees from the University of Tasmania last year after being supported by Forico and other partners in their studies at the ARC Training Centre for Forest Value.

The Centre for Forest Value is an initiative funded through the Australian Research Council to provide evidence-based solutions for industry in the forest and wood products sector.

As Tasmania’s largest private forest and land asset manager, Forico was an industry partner of the Centre.

“It’s important to build research capability for the forest industry and we are delighted that Dr Balasso and Dr Gendvilas have successfully completed their studies, working closely with us on projects of direct relevance in the sector,” said Dr Andrew Jacobs, Chief Technology Officer at Forico.

Dr Balasso’s thesis examined the assessment of wood quality in standing trees, and segregation of harvested wood for different end-products use to extract the maximum value from the hardwood resource. Using non-destructive testing techniques which employed acoustic wave velocity, she

developed a practical segregation and sorting tool for use at all stages of the supply chain, and proposed methods to reliably sort and grade timber boards.

She also studied the modification of timber boards using thermo and hydromechanical treatments, densifying them to increase

the structural properties for potential use in the timber industry, for high-quality applications.

Dr Gendvilas investigated various aspects of silviculture of the planted Eucalyptus nitens resource, particularly the causes and effects of tree dominance, and the effects of thinning on the properties of trees that remain standing. He will now continue his studies for the sector as a Research Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Forest Research Institute.

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

Dr Balasso has accepted a role as Forest Project Officer with Forico and divides her time between the company’s headquarters in Launceston, its plantation forests in the north and northwest, and her home office in Hobart.

“My project spanned the supply chain, from the forest down to timber products for construction,” said Dr Balasso. “I tried to connect the parts of the productive chain across very different stakeholders, because a lot of knowledge is stuck in silos; forest growers know a lot about the forests and their resource, but they don’t necessarily understand what the log processors want from their logs; similarly, log processors don’t necessarily understand what designers or architects require, or what products the planted resource could potentially deliver.”

“These were unique PhD scholarships,” said Dr Jacobs, who supervised Dr Balasso and Dr Gendvilas’ work. ‘Both students spent time in our offices and working with our foresters on issues of relevance to Forico and the wider industry. They have conducted highly relevant research which will positively impact our business.” www.timberbiz.com.au

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In the news Green triangle awards postponed The Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards night set down for 11 March has been postponed again due to Covid.

Initially planned for 29 October last year, the event was postponed then because of the pandemic.

The 2020 event was cancelled for the same reasons.

The committee is yet to determine a revised date and is waiting for new directives and health advice.

“Due to the current Covid-19 activity restrictions in South Australia and more importantly, with the health and safety of our attendees and the local industry in mind, the GTTIA Committee feel that this is the most appropriate and responsible action to take,” the organisation said.

“Our sponsors are key to the ongoing success of the event, and we appreciate their continuing support during this challenging time.

Finding a way to secure log loads safely A s part of the FGR programme in Automation and Robotics, a project has commenced to develop a safe and efficient alternative load securing system in New Zealand for logging trucks.

Many logging truck drivers suffer musculo-skeletal injuries that are caused by throwing chains over the load and then manually tensioning the load restraints.

An improved method of load restraint is required so this project is aimed at developing ways to automate chain throwing and tensioning.

In addition, as debarking in the forest becomes more common, there will be changes to the loads the trucks will be carrying with more debarked logs could be carted from the forest to the port. So, the industry must also consider any changes that may be re-

quired to current methods of load restraint to adequately restrain these more slippery debarked logs on logging trucks.

To date, the automatic chain thrower is well advanced with two trucking companies having developed working prototypes for field testing. In addition, two forestry companies have also built machines that lift all the chains over the load simultaneously.

These machines are proving effective for use in log yards. The project will develop a system whereby: - the chains are automatically thrown over the load.

- the chain tensioning is automatically done by winches that are driven off the truck’s auxiliary power system.

- chain tension will be monitored automatically and if any load settling dur-

Control freak?

Developments implemented across the NZ logging truck •fleet should reduce driver injuries. ing the journey is detected the winches will automatically retention the chains without any intervention by the driver.

- the status of the chain tension will be displayed on an in-cab system that will notify the driver if any corrective action is required.

This project is being undertaken with support of the Log Transport Safety

Council, in conjunction with Trinder Engineers Ltd of Nelson.

These developments implemented across the NZ logging truck fleet should reduce driver injuries due to chain throwing and tensioning and result in longer driver retention in the industry, and safer log transport, a win for the whole industry.

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Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

Australia acts on illegal logging A ustralia has facilitated international forest leadership, collaborating with the USA and NZ to deliver the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade’s (EGILAT) two-year policy theme, to advance the trade and distribution of legally harvested forest products.

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the bilateral engagement was a great example of Australia being a world-leader in international forestry policy.

“The Morrison Government has a strong commitment to combatting illegal logging through our laws that protect the Australian market from illegally logged timber while managing the burden on our timber importers and processors,” Senator Duniam said.

“Illegal logging is a major global problem. It has extremely harmful impacts on

forest ecosystems, communities and economies.

“We do not want illegal timber coming into this country and undercutting our domestic producers when they are working hard to produce sustainable,

high-quality timber products right here in Australia,” he said.

“That is one of the reasons why the decisions by the Victorian and Western Australian governments to shut down our native forest industries are so disappointing; they only serve to increase our importation of timber from countries where they do not care about the environment.”

Senator Dunium said that international collaboration was absolutely crucial to combatting illegal logging.

“This experts group provided key stakeholders including importers and exporters of regulated timber prod-

Assistant •Minister for

Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam

• Illegal logging operations in Asia ucts with a forum to communicate the challenges they face in dealing with timber legality, and shape solutions to overcome them,” he said.

Australia was a leader on forest matters in the APEC region and had developed stronger relations with APEC members, particularly the United States and New Zealand, by jointly progressing this work.

“Through a series of stakeholder workshops, participants expressed their inter-

est and encouragement for the continued engagement between EGILAT and the private sector into the future,” Senator Dunium said.

“The final APEC report delivered eight recommendations to help shape EGILAT’s future priorities.

“Our participation and leadership in APEC EGILAT backs our illegal logging laws and further enhances Australia’s global reputation as a source of sustainable, legally harvested timber products.”

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• Applied within seconds • Minimal labour required • No need for PPE • 30% less chemicals than conventional methods Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

13

In the news Chinook joins Vic fleet The latest addition to Victoria’s firebombing fleet is ready to hit the skies to support firefighting efforts across the state and help keep communities safe this summer.

The new CH47 Chinook firefighting helicopter, capable of holding 11,000 litres of water forms part of a 50-strong fleet which has greater flexibility and firebombing capacity than ever before.

It can operate through the hottest part of the day and continue into the night, to give firefighters the best chance to put fires out.

The fleet includes two Large Air Tankers (LAT), one of which is new to Victoria. Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes joined Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp to inspect the new LAT at Avalon Airport.

The new LAT can travel faster and require less room for take-off and landing than previous air tankers, making it more accessible to smaller regional airfields and therefore more agile to respond to changing risks across the state.

The new additions ensure a more modern fixed wing and helicopter fleet, with technically advanced systems, critical to supporting our firefighters to keep communities safe.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $29 million in the 2021-22 fleet, which includes a mix of firebombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence-gathering aircraft, with a surge capacity of up to 100 that can support the Victorian core fleet and be called upon when needed.

Victorians should check daily Fire Danger Ratings via the VicEmergency app and take action to minimise fire risk. For more information on how you can plan and respond to fire, visit vic.gov.au/howwell-do-you-know-fire.

14

Green Triangle invests in aerial tactics

Green Triangle Fire Alliance funded Firebird 326 with veteran pilot Peter Bonniface at •theThe controls.

T

he Green Triangle’s timber plantation companies have invested in additional aerial firefighting capacity in the region to protect its plantation estate, natural environment and broader community this fire season.

The helicopter, a B2 Squirrel, has been engaged by the Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA), supporting more than 300 trained plantation industry fire fighters working on the ground across the Green Triangle this summer.

The helicopter has been contracted through the Victorian Government and forms part of the Victorian aerial fleet. The GTFA’s nine forest grower member companies are providing funding for it to be positioned at the Casterton airfield.

GTFA General Manager Anthony Walsh said the helicopter’s 1000 litre bucket could draw water from a variety of sources close to the fire line.

“This helicopter is highly complementary to the fixed wing fire bombers that op-

erate in the region,” Mr Walsh said.

“While the fixed wing bombers carry a greater load, the advantage of a helicopter is that it can find water in close proximity to a fire which supports very short turnaround times.

“The helicopter has already been deployed twice, including providing valuable support at the recent Poolaijelo fire.

“Other aircraft may leave the region to attend fires elsewhere across the state, but this helicopter will re-

main at its Casterton base for the 14-week service period until the end of March 2022.”

Mr Walsh said that while operation of the helicopter was currently restricted to Victoria, discussions were continuing with the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) to enable operation in the Limestone Coast region.

“We are extremely grateful for the support from the Victorian Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to establish the service,” he said.

“We remain hopeful that the same level of protection being offered to our Victorian based estate will soon extend to South Australia to enable operation across the entire Green Triangle plantation estate.”

The helicopter extends the industry’s extensive investment in fire suppression resources. The Green Triangle plantation industry collectively has 100 fire appliances with trained fire fighters on standby, ready to rapidly respond to fires throughout the fire season.

Native timber basis for regional town economies A new report commissioned by Timber Towns Victoria shows the significant domestic value add of the native (mixed species) timber industry to Victoria.

“This report shows the native timber industry contributes $1.4B annually to Victoria and underpins the economic viability of many regional towns across our state,” said Timber Towns Victoria President Cr Karen Stephens.

“The Government has offered only $120M as compensation for shutting down the industry, which will not be enough to stop regional towns from being devastated.”

“We now have a bench-

Timber Towns Victoria •President Cr Karen Stephens. mark of what the domestic value add is of the industry, and it’s substantial. We know from research that rural areas are hurt more by job losses than cities. Put simply, one job loss in Melbourne is equivalent to five jobs lost in small rural communities.”

“Timber Towns Victoria believes the phase out of the industry must be postponed to protect regional jobs and maintain local investment confidence.

“We want the Victorian Government to understand how much the phase out and eventual ban will hurt communities across Victoria, beyond the direct impact on the timber industry, and how it will undermine business and community confidence at a very difficult time,” said Cr Stephens.

Key highlights from the report: Specialised analysis for the Timber Towns Victoria council areas • In 2019/20, the industry was estimated to directly support almost 6,000 jobs or

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

2.3% of all jobs in the combined TTV areas.

• In 2019/20, the industry generated $1.4B in sales/ output of which $432M was direct value added. • The estimated contribution of native forests to logging, processing and other timber-related activities in the TTV areas has been modelled. It is approximate to a situation where native logging ceased immediately.

• The impacts resulting from the State Government decision to cease logging in native forests is more likely to fall on the local government areas to the east of Melbourne which are home to the large majority of native forests that are allowed to be logged. www.timberbiz.com.au

Silviculture

Scion joins Genomic partnership S cion’s expertise in tree genomics will be invaluable as a new partner with Genomics Aotearoa, adding to the cutting-edge of national and international collaboration opportunities.

Scion Crown Research Institute signed the partnership with Genomics Aotearoa in September, 2021, joining nine other partners from New Zealand Crown Research Institutes and universities. The aim is to ensure New Zealand is internationally participating and leading in the rapidly developing fields of genomics and bioinformatics.

Scion specialises in research, science and technology development for forestry, wood product, wood-derived materials, and other biomaterial sectors.

Scion is using genomics technologies to assemble the Pinus radiata genome and is developing molecular tools to assist the genetic improvement of new Pinus radiata varieties.

Genomics are used to characterise the function and genetic diversity of genes responsible for key forestry and wood product traits for the economic, social, environmental and cultural benefit of New Zealand.

Scion General Manager Forest to Timber Products Roger Hellens says New Zealand has a wealth of genomics expertise and coordinating this through Genomics Aotearoa demonstrates the

16

power of collaboration.

“By joining Genomics Aotearoa, researchers at Scion can learn from experts and share some of the technical challenges that face genomics research in tree species, with some of the larger genomes yet to be assembled and analysed.

“We are excited to bring our Māori partnerships to the conversations that Genomics Aotearoa are continuing regarding cultural aspects of indigenous genomics, to co-create research that is respectful of Te Tiriti values and intergenerational perspectives.”

Genomics Aotearoa Director Professor Peter Dearden is delighted Scion has joined the partnership, extending the collaboration Scion researchers already have with Genomics Aotearoa’s projects.

“Genomic data underpins a new way of understanding of basic biology, and globally is becoming integral to managing our environment as well as in human health diagnoses. New Zealand genomics researchers are adopting new sequencing and genome analysis techniques in the laboratories of universities and research institutes across the country, enabling New Zealand to produce its own genomic knowledge specific to our unique population, our species and environment and

our economic needs,” he said.

“We welcome Scion’s expertise in tree genomics and look forward to the opportunities this will provide in

further extending genomics into New Zealand’s primary production sector.”

Genomics Aotearoa is a partnership between AgResearch, ESR, Plant &

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

Food Research, Manaaki Whenua - LandcareResearch, and the Universities of Auckland, Massey, Otago, Waikato, and Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

It has national collaborations and funded projects in health, environment and primary production, a bioinformatics analytical platform and has just established a national genomics data repository. Te Ao Māori is at the centre of these activities. Genomics Aotearoa is funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Strategic Science Investment Fund.

www.timberbiz.com.au

Harvesters

Design upgrades in Next Gen Cat T he new Cat Next Generation 538 Forest Machine features several significant design upgrades that make it a top choice for working with timber.

Available in Log Loader and General Forest configurations, the 538 has a new electrohydraulic control system with 10% more swing torque that allows the machine to do work with more power and precision.

Updates to the drive system result in a 12% increase in travel speed, helping the Cat Next Generation 538 cover more ground and move up and down slopes faster. High Wide undercarriage provides 15% greater ground clearance to help the machine pass over stumps and other obstructions with ease.

“The 538 model has a reputation in New Zealand as a top performer with rugged reliability,” Terra Cat’s Forestry Industry Manager Wayne Baker said.

“The Next Generation Cat 538 builds on this foundation by being more productive, more comfortable, and costing less to maintain so contractors can spend their time moving more wood, loading more trucks, and maximising their profit potential.”

The 538 features an efficient Cat 7.1 engine which is flexible to run on biodiesel up to B20. Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to help reduce fuel consumption up to 5% without sacrificing performance.

It offers a cold-start capability of -32C and reliable high-ambient temperature operation reaching 48C. It efficiently operates at altitudes reaching 3000m without derating. Fuel tank capacity is more than double the previous model, which means the new 538 can operate up to five shifts before refilling.

Improved comfort and safety The all-new Certified Forestry cab design for the Cat Next Generation 538 dramatically improves operator comfort and safety.

For Nick Tombleson’s crews operating on New Zealand’s North Island doing 800 tonnes a day in two www.timberbiz.com.au

clear fell areas comfort is critical.

He runs two of the 538 machines and a 548 as well Nick said the 538s were “pretty awesome machines”.

“There is heaps of adjustability for what you want them to do,” he said.

Nick said the operators love the machine.

“It’s got heaps of grunt for the size,” he said.

Getting in and out of the cab is easier due to its wider and taller door and tilt-up console on the operator’s seat.

“The cab is 25 percent larger with 50 percent greater overall visibility than our

previous 538,” Mr Baker Key Points said. “Plus, it has a heated seat and a more ergonomiMore comfort with cally friendly layout, so the +25% more space operator can be more effi+50% improved cient and productive.” operator visibility The new Operator ID New car body increases allows each operator to ground clearance by 4” quickly program and store Heavy-duty upper their own machine settings and lower frames and attachment function for widespread preferences. A larger 254applications mm high-resolution touchDurable forestry screen monitor delivers inguarding on side doors tuitive navigation through and hinges operating menus and inHydraulic reversing fan cludes a digital version of system the operator’s manual for +10% swing torque quick reference. Lower increase vs. F Series maintenance costs CAT excavators Compared with the previ+6% larger diameter ous model, the Next Genswing bearing eration 538 lowers mainteEnlarged swing drive nance costs by up to 15% Ground-level access for over the course of 12,000 easier maintenance. hours of operation.

“Cat has improved filter and service intervals, and make daily maintenance improved ground-level ac- quick and safe. This incess to service points to cludes a new ground-level dipstick for checking the engine oil,” Mr Baker said.

The improved filters and synchronized replacement intervals result in greater uptime and 50 fewer filters being consumed over 12,000 hours. Fuel filters feature a synchronized 1,000-hour change interval, which doubles the service life of the previous model. A new hydraulic oil return filter improves filtration and delivers a 3,000-hour service life, which is 50% longer than previous designs.

• • • • • • • • • •

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

The high-efficiency, hydraulically driven cooling fan runs only when necessary; reversing intervals are programmable to enable the fan to keep the radiator cores clean without interrupting the work schedule.

Product Link technology captures critical operating data, fault codes, and machine location information to boost fleet management efficiency. The Next Generation 538 has Remote Troubleshoot capability when within mobile phone coverage.

Remote Troubleshoot analyzes real-time machine data captured by Product Link for diagnostics of fault codes without impacting machine productivity, and it can potentially save a service trip to the jobsite. Also, owners can be sure the 538 is operating with the most current version of software with standard Remote Flash (dependent on mobile phone service), which updates machine software around the production schedule.

“When you add in our extensive Terra Cat network that’s committed to forestry, you get a winning combination of machine and support that you can’t beat for moving wood,” Mr Baker said.

Contact your local Cat dealer for more information about the Cat Next Generation 538 Log Loader and General Forest machines or visit https://www.cat.com.

17

TIGERCAT FELLER BUNCHERS.

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Tigercat’s feller buncher range is well-suited to a variety of applications, including plantation thinning, selective and final felling.

Common to all models is operator comfort and visibility, easy access to daily service points, fuel efficiency, and long-term productivity.

Harvesters

Falcon flies on the NZ slopes I f you need a clear demonstration of how safety conscious harvesting contractors have become in the past decade, the sale of the 150th Falcon Winch-Assist machine provides convincing evidence.

It took just seven years to reach that milestone and manufacturer, Nelson-based DC Equipment, says demand is currently at an alltime high.

The shift to mechanised tree falling on steep slopes has accelerated around the world after the technology and safety of the innovative practice was proven in New Zealand.

Kiwi companies like DC Equipment are at the forefront of the tech drive, exporting safety-first forestry equipment to customers in New Zealand and across the globe as a solution to removing vulnerable workers from dangerous task such as tree falling and breaking out.

“I can’t believe we’ve hit Winch-Assist number 150, it just seems like yesterday we were building our first one,” says Dale Ewers, founder and owner of DC Equipment, as well as running a successful logging company.

Key Points

to use control • Easy system provides full remote control.

“We got into this business to protect people in our own harvesting crews and it worked so well we offered it to other contractors. We haven’t looked back.”

Designed and tested extensively in a wide range of slope and soil conditions the Falcon Winch-Assist has clocked up approximately half-a-million operational hours and zero harm incidents across its customer base.

One leading customer is forestry equipment leasing company, TDF Solutions, which has purchased 27 Falcon Winch-Assist machines in recent years, including number 150.

TDF’s Business Manager, Frankie Davidson, was himself involved in the early years of winch-assist development with a company that built a double-drum, twinrope bulldozer but he has since become a firm believer in the single rope system produced by DC Equipment.

“It’s an awesome product

lb breaking • 157,000 strain. difference • Minimal in length and weight

•

to the original counterweight allows full use of the machine as an excavator.

Has the ability to fit a quick-hitch for multipurpose applications.

Can be spec’d with a rotating grapple to help load out trucks and shift wood around the job site.

and it works bloody well,” says Frankie, whose company provides forestry equipment to contractors on a lease-to-own basis through New Zealand.

“You’ve only got to see how they have changed the way we work on the hills and the safety record. Perhaps the best endorsement is that the customers we have keep coming back for another one……..and another.

“Since we took delivery

of the 150th Falcon WinchAssist – our 27th – we’ve already signed up our 30th.”

TDF was among the early purchasers of the Falcon Winch-Assist and Frankie says that although the key principles have not changed over the years, he has seen it become more refined and more user-friendly.

“Compared to the first one, number 150 is different in almost every single way and yet it is exactly the same,” says Frankie.

“The way the control system works is incredibly simple to use for the operator and there’s years and years of development and hundreds of thousands of hours with machinery use and technology to develop how the system works to look after the machine and look after the operator.

“The interesting thing is that contractors are not only buying these machines for working above certain slope angles, but a lot of people are also using them for environmental reasons and in adverse weather conditions. Many operators who have been using them for a while find it very difficult to go onto any slope

•

DC Equipment’s Nick and Solomon (left & centre) hand over the 150th Falcon WinchAssist machine to Nigel Bryant of Nelson-based Nigel Bryant Logging.

20

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

without a tether. Even on 20-degrees they feel very vulnerable and uncomfortable. To retain staff it is almost becoming necessary to have machines like this.”

The Falcon Winch-Assist has been designed from the outset with single-drum, single-rope technology. It uses the largest rope size of any winch-assist machine – at 1⅛ inch (28mm) diameter the swaged rope provides 71 tonnes of breaking strength ensuring that even shock loading will not compromise the strength or structural integrity of the rope. A larger rope also equates to longer rope life as it is more resistant to damage.

But even with such a huge breaking strength, the Falcon Winch-Assist operates to has a 21-tonne working load limit as a safety measure.

Because the operator who is sitting in the felling machine only has to manage one rope when working on the slope it reduces complexity and the potential for snags.

Similarly, the design of the winch system means less mechanical and electrical complexity, which reduces the opportunity for faults and breakdowns.

The Falcon Winch-Assist has seen numerous improvements and safety features added over the years to eliminate operator risk, including: • Overspeed alarm triggering a rope management system in the Winch which automatically slows it down to prevent shock-loading • Movement alarm to alert the operator if the winchassist machine experiences any movement • Cab door tamper detection alarm • Over tension alarms • Drum over-speed alarm/ arrest • Maximum rope pay-out alarm/arrest, and • Live feed camera for the operator to monitor the engine bay and winch drum.

The beauty of the Falcon Winch-Assist being built onto an excavator base is that it is a multi-purpose machine, being able to work as a loader, shoveller or digger through the option of fitting a quick hitch when the machine is not required for tethering. www.timberbiz.com.au

A CUT ABOVE THE REST CONTACT + 64 21 842413 OR GO TO QUADCO.COM

Harvesters

Komatsu Forest to release PC270HW and PC300HW in Australia K omatsu Forest has recently released their new Forest Xtreme models PC270HW and PC300HW into the New Zealand market with many forest application features supplied from the Komatsu Osaka Factory.

Now these new models are available for the Australian Market. Brett Jones the MD of Komatsu Forest Aust stated that this development has taken place over the last two years with both the Osaka factory and Komatsu Forest working closely together, it would be fair to say a lot has been achieved in this time.

22

Historically Komatsu Forest has relied heavily on the NZ forestry fabricators to modify the PC270LC and PC300LC supplied by the Komatsu factory in Osaka to suit/meet the forestry requirements of the local contractors for various logging applications. The NZ modifications included combinations of forestry boom sets, forestry cabs, high & wide undercarriages, various guarding packages, and aux cooling packages. As mechanisa-

tion has progressed in NZ, the harvesting techniques and the specifications of the hydraulic excavators have increased dramatically thus increasing the after-market costs accordingly which is the main reason a factory solution had to be established for the future of the product and the business.

These new Forest Xtreme models being the PC270 HW & PC300 HW, feature the unique forest specifications supplied from Komatsu Osaka factory such as the High & Wide undercarriage, Forestry Boom Sets, Forestry Cabin, and a PurposeBuilt cooling system. The

over-body guarding packages, specialised forestry cabins, local attachments, and some other options will still be supplied by various manufactures in New Zealand, this will also include the EMS Tractionline and Harvestline attachments which suit the Komatsu carriers extremely well, both from a hydraulic performance and efficiency point of view.

Since the release of these new “High Wides”, especially with the Working Gear forestry boom sets from the Osaka factory, the market response has been very positive from a specification and price point of view

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

in New Zealand, according to Brett Jones. Whilst it may only be early days, the feedback on the performance and suitability to the different applications has been fantastic. Komatsu Forest sees a huge market potential for these “Forest Xtreme” machines as these units will be very price competitive when compared to a purpose-built track machine, especially in a flat terrain or processor application. The first PC270HW’s and PC300HW’s have been ordered for Australian stock and will be ready for release into the Australian market

by April 2022.

www.timberbiz.com.au

Harvesters New mulchers, brush cutters from John Deere

a

Factory 850mm High & Wide •Undercarriage with 5000mm track

length has been limited to 3500mm width for transport reasons, full length bolted track guards, heavy duty motor & slew guards, Komatsu final drives with 600mm single bar grousers or optional 600mm double bar grousers.

Optional Purpose-Built Cooling Package which •features 6 fins per inch, so the hydraulic reversing fan provides a self-cleaning function. Lighter duty aux cooler packages are also available.

Forestry Cabins offer multiple options; factory cabin •with 32mm front screen, EMS cabin with rear entry for special applications, Active & Ensign cabins for standard applications.

Komatsu Forestry Boom Sets feature harvester/ •processor geometry made to fit every harvesting

attachment and directional felling head with 10.14m hinge pin reach. Factory SAE flange piping with isolator clamps with a hose thru crane tip to the attachment for greater hose protection. www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

John Deere has introduced new additions to its attachment family for excavators with the ME36 and ME50 Mulchers, and the RE40 and RE50 Rotary Brush Cutters.

The ME36 and ME50 mulchers are equipped with knife-style cutting teeth on a split ring rotor.

The spiral, double helix tool pattern and innovative tool shape allow for fast, efficient cutting for mulch up to 5-inch material. A controlled and metered cutting depth allows the operator to maintain high rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) and a productive mulching rate.

The RE40 and RE50 brush cutters bring more versatility for excavators.

These brush cutters are ideal for embankment and ditch management, overfence brush management, rail right-of-way maintenance, and otherwise difficult to reach areas.

Three swinging blades mounted to a blade carrier can fell and cut material up to 6 inches in diameter. A heavy-duty hinged debris shield retracts when the head is engaged with trees and brush, exposing the blades, and allowing for aggressive cuts.

The RE40 and RE50 brush cutters directionally beveled blades push material into the head of the cutter, creating fine debris for recycling. The blades are also reversible, so when the leadingedge wears, they can be unbolted and flipped over for a fresh cutting edge. An automatic hydraulic braking system quickly stops the blade rotation after the machine is turned off, so operators can exit the cab.

The attachments are tested and optimized to work with John Deere excavators, but the mulchers are also compatible with many competitive 5–10 ton excavator models, and the brush cutters are also compatible with many competitive 3–10 ton excavator models.

23

Harvesters

Neuson Forest tracked levelling harvester released

N

euson Forest released its largest purposebuilt tracked levelling harvester the Neuson 264 HVT with applications ranging from second thinning to harvesting individual trunks and final felling.

This is a completely new

design with Neuson’s tried and tested parallel crane technology. The main goal of this development was to increase power density and

comfort along with consistently implementing customer requests. Ergonomics and maintainability have also been improved.

Inside the 264 HVT is a 6-cylinder John Deere diesel engine with a displacement of 9000cm³. The maximum power of the machine is 227 kW (309 hp) at a net weight of about 26.5t.

The crane is one of the strongest parallel cranes on the market enabling harvester heads of over 2000kg.

The crane is available with three different reaches - 9m, 10m and 13.5m – and can be equipped with a variety of heads and control systems.

The goal when developing this machine was the ability to process trunks up to 95cm in diameter.

The machine uses a slope compensator of +25° at the front and +/- 15° on each

side. Unlike its predecessor, this machine now also features an automatic slope compensator.

The 2.95m width, the tight tail swing and the low centre of gravity all enable working in extremely small spaces and guarantee stability.

The hydraulic swivel service platform, engine covers that open to the sides as well as the hydraulic swivel cabin all ensure the best possible serviceability. The standard reversible fan reduces the amount of time required for daily service.

Notable improvements when it comes to comfort and ergonomics are the reduced sound level and the new cabin design. The machine further comes standard with the sensitive xCrane control system by Technion. Key new options are Auto Leveling and the STH system.

Key Points Data • Engine Engine: John Deere • 6090 CI550 6-Zylinder Turbo• Type: Diesel Engine Engine • Cooling: Coolant, Charge Air Hydraulically • Fan: drien, automatic

• •

variable speed, reversible Axko-pump (50 l/min) Power: 226kW (303 HP) Fuel Capacity: 650L (172 gal)

LOGGING IS IN OUR DNA Reliable, durable and purpose-built, the Kenworth name has been synonymous with the logging industry for decades. Our extensive model range and choice of options gives you the flexibility to specify the truck to suit your requirements, whatever they may be.

Wherever the road leads, whatever the load, Kenworth has the power to deliver. ����� �� ���� �ocal Kenworth ������ �� ����� KENWORTH.COM.AU Images for illustrative purposes only.

24

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

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Feller bunchers

Tigercat goes compact T he 822E is the most compact track feller buncher and harvester platform in the Tigercat track carrier line-up.

The powerful machine is versatile for challenging thinning and final felling applications. Strong lift capacity, tight-tuck ER boom geometry, and compact tailswing make the 822E the perfect choice for selective felling where minimal site impact is important.

The harvester configuration is available with a fixed or leveling undercarriage.

High horsepower and harvester head optimized hydraulics provides responsive control, quick feed speed and powerful delimbing capability for high performance and productivity.

The 822E series carriers can be equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 Noncertified, Tier 4f or Stage V engine, producing 210 kW (282 hp). A redesigned engine enclosure provides improved roof access for clear-

ing debris. A boom slider also reduces debris build-up in hard-to-reach areas. The clamshell style enclosure and drop-down side platform allow easy access to all sides of the engine, valves and daily service points. A hot shutdown feature has been added. This allows the turbo to sufficiently cool before stopping the engine for improved turbo life.

A larger, spring-assisted pump cover improves service access to the hydraulic pump area. Hydraulic improvements include quicker anti-stall response, consistent anti-cavitation flow and improved heat rejection.

The updated E-series cab includes a new parallel action air ride seat with integrated heating and cooling.

The reclining seat is fully adjustable with seat angle and seat extension adjust-

ment. The wider seat cushion and lumbar support provide operator comfort all day long.

The full-length front window and narrow side posts give the operator an excellent view of the tracks and surrounding area. The HVAC controls feature a new infinitely variable fan speed control, which can be adjusted on the control panel, or by the machine control system t o u c h screen. Additional features include an emergency stop button and multiple storage locations with nets to keep objects in place.

The powerful machine is versatile for challenging thinning and final felling applications.

REDUCE DOWNTIME. INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY.

Our service and support team are on hand to keep your operation running at peak efficiency.

MORBARK 3400XT HORIZONTAL

GRINDER Fitted with a pin and plate hammermill, 34’’ top feed roll, chain type feeder, Caterpillar C18 (765HP) engine and Caterpillar 320L tracks.

Easy change grate system and remote control allowing for monitoring and adjustment of the engine and other machine parameters from the safety of your loader or excavator.

2400XT, 3000XT and 6400XT models also available.

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1800 182 888 | www.lincom.com.au | sales@lincom.com.au | OFFICE LOCATIONS | QLD | N QLD | HUNTER REGION | NSW | VIC | WA | NZ

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Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

25

Fire salvage

Turning up the heat to salvage more downed timber

David Koenig

T

he hits keep coming. Recent years have seen what feels like an unprecedented onslaught of wildfires, hurricanes, beetle infestations, and other calamities that have downed millions of trees.

Unfortunately, far too much of the downfall is never salvaged for use as lumber or other wood products, and is instead left to rot or quickly pulverized in a chipper, to “make the problem go away.”

What can the industry do to increase the reclamation rate of disaster-damaged wood?

A Short Window of Opportunity Before joining the Southern Forest Products Association in 1997, SFPA executive director Eric Gee worked as a forester for a south-wide private forest management consulting company. He is a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester and Alabama Registered Forester.

He cites several explanations for why only a fraction of downed timber is utilized as lumber products.

“Natural disasters can be particularly challenging for timberland owners,” Gee said. “There is a short window of opportunity for salvaging downed or damaged timber before fallen timber loses any residual value.

Combined with the challenges of harvesting/removing timber that is oriented in many different directions and establishing harvesting operations in a wide disaster area that is limited to normal infrastructure like clear roads, labor, and fuel; salvage operations can often be a secondary concern to recovery. If timber can be salvaged and delivered to a sawmill for processing, there is no guarantee it will even yield the expected grades.”

What happens to the rest?

“Woody debris collected after a major event, especially in urban areas, is brought to concentration yards where it may be sorted and ground up using large grinders, turning the debris into mulch for easier decomposition and disposal,” Gee

26

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

www.timberbiz.com.au

Fire salvage

said. “Wood that is unable to be salvaged remains onsite, decaying and providing nutrients to the soil for the remaining vegetation.”

Sadly, these trees can be hundreds of years old—containing beautiful wood that could be turned into lumber, siding, furniture—but instead are destroyed either because the salvage agencies lack either the patience Above: Jim Evans: WALNUT LOGS salvaged from a neighborhood in Sacramento, Ca., will see a second life. (Photo or the insight to know what courtesy of Urban Wood Network). Inset: SOUTHERN RED OAK had stood for more than 150 years before succumbing to do next. to Hurricane Ida’s winds. (Photo courtesy of Eric Gee). Below: REDWOOD SIDING originated with trees salvaged from a Salvage Solutions neighborhood in Orangevale, Ca. (Photos courtesy of Urban Wood Network)

•

Fortunately, some reclaimed woods companies across the country have begun banding together to offer solutions. First off, Urban Lumber Market is currently developing an inventory management and marketing platform to keep track of how much disasterdamaged timber is salvaged.

The app will track the total board footage of urban and salvaged wood (and chart the reason for the removal and all of the backstory of the wood through their internal program, AncesTREE) as well as the total carbon stored or diverted from the waste-stream. This is being tested now and very near completion—this will provide the industry with some of the answers it has been searching for.

The second challenge is education—of the public as well as architects, designers and builders of the potential from this overlooked resource. “We believe if the public is made aware of this wood and the environmental benefits of it as well as the beauty, that they will choose this wood over imported woods,” said Jennifer Alger, CEO of Far West Forest Products, Sheridan, Ca. After helping to launch the 501c3 Urban, Salvaged and Reclaimed Woods Inc., Alger later realized there were other small factions of www.timberbiz.com.au

networks around the country all operating under different names with similar purposes, but no consistent messaging or focus. In 2020, she helped form one united group—the Urban Wood Network (UWN).

“We are still growing, but we are working on helping cities, municipalities and other large tree owners develop written policy as to what to do when trees are removed due to death, disease, wildfire or other natural disaster and construction,” said Alger, who serves as executive director.

“These policies will ensure that there are processes in place and they have coordinated with local networks for these eventualities instead of scrambling when they occur and there are so many other things to think about.”

UWN is working to set up chapters in each state and to have a presence across all of North America. It works closely with and is supported by state forestry departments and the U.S. Forest Service.

Additionally, as UWN reached out to wood specifiers, architects and designers, it identified a need for certification so suppliers can verify the history and chain-of-custody of the wood. “They also want to

best business practices, moisture content and labeling guidelines, special grading system to minimize waste and more. This will allow for urban salvaged wood to be incorporated into more buildings and utilized in a far greater way than ever before. As our cities grow and population increases, more and more people live in an urban environment and many of the disasters and wildfires are within them and we need to consider and respect the natural wood resource that comes from these areas.”

The overriding goal is to make sure less wood is wasted after being struck down by disaster or disease.

SFPA’s Gee does see a silver lining amid the destruction of recent years.

“While the damage was not insignificant, especially to the timberland owners’ assets, the good news is that forests are highly resilient,” he said.

“The logging community and foresters assist in accelerating the recovery by clearing stands and replanting forests. The best defense against significant natural disasters is to practice good silviculture and forest manknow how many miles it wrote urban wood stand- agement.”

David Koenig is managtraveled and other info for ards so we now have USRW LEED certification,” Alger Certified Urban Wood. ing editor of The Merchant, said. “So we in the industry These standards include published in California.

There is a short window of opportunity for salvaging downed or damaged timber before fallen timber loses any residual value.

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

27

Grinders & shredders

Vermeer Horizontal Grinder a winner for Ironjack Recycling J

ack Blinco from Ironjack Recycling has been around grinders and chippers since he was a child, so he knows a tough, productive, and smart machine when he sees one – and he gives the Vermeer HG6800TX Horizontal Grinder a definite thumbs up.

The HG6800TX is Jack’s first Vermeer machine, recently purchased for his environmental land clearing business Ironjack Recycling. Based in southeast Queensland, Ironjack Recycling specialises in a wide range of projects involving vegetation clearing and natural disaster clean-up.

“Ironjack is a family based and run company and has been successively operational for over four and a half years,” Jack says.

“The last two years have really seen us grow, driven by more contract work,

RDO2303_Vermeer HG_460X145_1.indd 1 28

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

not just green waste and mulching projects, but diversifying into demolition works and contracts with larger developers and councils right up and down the Queensland coast.”

This growth is what led Jack to add a new Vermeer Horizontal Grinder to the business, and he says there were two main features that stood out for him with the machine.

“The first was just the high spec and production of the machine. Its ability to get through larger materials, get in and power through the big jobs for us is great.

We already have it lined up for a large 280-hectare land clearing project in Flagstone, and I know it will perform well for us there.

“The second feature that stood out for us is the Damage Defence System, which is really an inbuilt metal

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Grinders & shredders HG6800TX key features

detection system in the grinder. For the work we do in grinding greenwaste and in natural disaster clean ups from cyclones, floods, and large storms, you can get a large amount of steel and metal when completing the jobs. Land clearing can also bring up metal and materials harmful to the machinery so having the metal detection will help us prevent damage to the grinder and get through the waste easier and quicker,” Jack says In addition to the quality of the machine, Jack says the support from the Ver-

meer Australia team has been second to none.

“Even before we purchased the grinder, the support from the team and reps was great. Throughout the whole process, if we had any issues with the machine or questions, they were out onsite within an hour and a half, meaning our downtime has been kept to a minimum.”

To find out more about Vermeer Australia’s range of Horizontal Grinders, and how they can fit into your business, head to www.vermeeraustralia.com.au.

HG6800TX features 950 hp (708 kW) optional Damage Defense system • The • The in a 92,000 lb (41,730.5 kg) class, and an reduces the likelihood of certain infeed designed specifically for feeding larger materials such as whole trees and large stumps.

Series III hard-faced duplex drum • The offers durability and convenient

metal contaminants from entering the hammermill by reacting to the initial contact with the contaminant and reversing the feed system to allow removal of the contaminant.

maintenance, with the ability to remove and replace single hammers and balance the drum externally.

feed roller can climb up to 50” (127 • The cm), helping the machine to crush logs

less restriction, reducing the need for operator interaction with the material.

screens easily utilising the • Change optional screen hoist and the remote

side walls aid in feeding whole • Low trees and other larger material with

SmartFeed system monitors engine • The rpm and adjusts grinding speed for

or stumps that need to be rolled, and allowing the operator flexibility for different material inputs.

control or main machine controls.

optimal machine performance.

VERSATILE. EASY MAINTENANCE FEATURES. BUILT TOUGH. Green waste, trees, logs – Vermeer Horizontal Grinders eat ‘em all for breakfast. And now, the latest models offer remote control systems that let one operator feed and manage the unit.

These powerful machines are the result of decades of refinement – they’re a chip off the old block.

Call your local RDO Vermeer dealer on 1300 VERMEER.

www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

11/11/21 2910:35 am

Grinders & shredders

Terex expands shredder range W ith an eye on innovation, leading environmental equipment specialist, Terex Ecotec, continue to expand their world-class range of mobile equipment with the launch of the eagerly-awaited TBG 530T. A robust track mounted highspeed shredder, the TBG 530T is ideal for medium scale producers requiring an accurate and consistent end product.

Powered by a 493HP Scania DC13 engine, the TBG 530T has been expertly designed to give operators unrivalled performance, ease of maintenance and superb fuel efficiency. Extremely versatile, it excels in many applications and is particularly suited to waste wood processing and green waste shredding.

Speaking about the latest innovation, Tony Devlin, Business Lines Director for Terex Ecotec said, “The TBG 530T enhances our high speed shredder offering and allows our product range to further meet operators’ needs. Inspired by the successful TBG 630, the TBG 530T has been purposefully engineered to maintain the

Share your expertise with the industry ForestWorks will shortly commence three new skills standards projects: •

Skills for timber and wood products processes

•

Skills for vegetation clearing operations in bushfire zone

To register your interest or for more information contact forestworks@forestworks.com.au or 03 9321 3500.

30

same key features in a smaller package. Easy to operate with excellent serviceability we are proud to have it in our portfolio and look forward to it dominating the market.”

With a rapid set up time the TBG 530T is ready to work in a matter of minutes with no tooling required.

The open fronted feeder enables the TBG 530T to be fed quickly and easily from the rear. The intelligently controlled feed system, comprising of heavy-duty drag chains and aggressive feed wheel with unique lift/ downward assist, ensure optimum material flow resulting in class leading performance.

At the heart of the machine is the 1,100mm diameter x 1,490mm wide swinging hammer rotor. This robust, direct drive rotor rotates at 1000 RPM and incorporates 30 up-swinging hammers.

A wide selection of hammer designs and interchangeable screens are available allowing the machine to be configured to suit the ever-changing product requirements. The TBG 530T also benefits from the added protection of a screen kickback system. Should an unshreddable object enter the shredding chamber the screen will release allowing the material to quickly pass through, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

Processed material is removed from the machine via a modular product conveyor with an impressive discharge height of 4.6m. This conveyor also lowers to ground level for inspection and maintenance. An optional overband magnet with hydraulic height adjustment can be fitted to remove ferrous metal from the product.

Whether performing daily checks or carrying out maintenance, the TBG 530T offers unrivalled service

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

access to all key areas of the machine. The electric/hydraulic raise/ lower of the screen and interlocked chamber access door allow the rotor and anvil to be inspected with ease. Designed with the operator in mind, the TBG 530T offers the perfect blend of performance, efficiency and serviceability.

The TBG 530T comes fitted as standard with the industry leading T-Link telematics solution designed to improve productivity, efficiency and profitability for the customer.

Manufacturing of this latest highspeed shredder will take place at Terex Campsie, a dedicated state of the art facility which will support the ongoing growth and development of Terex Ecotec’s ever-expanding product portfolio. The TBG 530T is available to purchase now via Terex Ecotec’s world-class dealer distribution network that provide the sales and aftermarket service demanded for in the market.

The addition of the TBG 530T will further enhance an already significant portfolio of products offered

by Terex Ecotec and demonstrates their continued passion and commitment for new product development and innovation, positioning them at the forefront of the recycling market.

To learn more about the New TBG 530T and to locate your nearest dealer visit www.terex.com/ecotec

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Environment

Paving the way one bridge at a time A Wa i r a r ap a - b a s e d forestry company is paving the way with stream crossing bridges that doesn’t disturb the waterway.

Josh Blazek and Guy Farman of Farman Turkington Forestry came up with the design over a series of prototypes.

Farman said forestry had always had issues with trucks crossing water and keeping the water clean, and they set out to find a solution to the problem.

He said the 3.5-tonne “blaze-it bridge”, named after Blazek, massively reduced environmental impacts compared to other options.

“In most cases, you’d build a bridge, a ford, or you’d install a culvert.”

Farman said a great thing about the bridges was that they didn’t disturb the stream bed upon installation nor from trucks driving over it. The effects on the stream environment when installed are very minor.

“When a vehicle drives through a ford, it is going to create some stream disturbance.”

Blazek said the bridges also reduced flooding risk at the crossing.

“Flood engineers were worried we’d catch debris that would build a dam and then fail, which is a common issue with bridges, especially culverts. If you catch heaps of slash or anything that may come down as sticks from the headwaters, they can easily move over the top of it.”

• A logging truck on one of Farman Turkington Forestry’s blaze-it bridges.

Blazek said because of this, high river flows weren’t nearly as much of a problem anymore.

“The bridge is one of the rare things that’s environmentally advantageous, helps loggers and truck drivers, and is cheaper.”

He said it was also possible to put two bridges sideby-side to extend the distance it covered.

Farman said Blazek had been inspired by the Ernslaw One bridge that had won multiple prizes.

He said the design had

Independent advisor to the world’s forest and agricultural industries

been similar, but theirs was made of wood, and he was worried about it breaking under the weight of a logging truck.

“If you cracked any of the timber, it’ll just start falling apart.”

Blazek said they had come up with their own, very modified design to fit their own needs.

“We need to be able to put in in and take it out again for the next job.”

He said their bridge could be moved in a transporter without any pilot vehicles

and could be installed by a standard digger in about an hour.

Farman said an idea had sprung when had done a logging job where they had damaged a cattle stop and had to replace it, “the damaged cattle stop was dropped off here, we looked at it and came to the conclusion that it could be a good base for our design”.

Blazek and Farman then decided to build their bridge from steel; most of it now comes from the likes of recycled railway irons.

Margules Groome are independent consultants to the forestry, wood products, bio solutions, pulp & paper, and agriculture sectors.

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Blazek said there was a need for it, especially during fish spawning when rules prevented vehicles from crossing waterways for up to three months at a time.

“At spawning, you can only have up to 20 axel movements, which is one truck and one ute a day. We can see ten trucks in and out of a site per day at times.”

Dalefield Transport owner Clinton Buller said the bridge had made a huge difference to his work.

“There’s no stone damage to the wheels of our trucks and no water on our brakes anymore.” He said the bridge had lowered truck maintenance costs. Buller said they could now enter sites even when rivers were at a higher flow.

He said a previous logging job years ago up the valley had seen far more sediment discharge down the stream, and neighbours were surprised that work had started without any discharge noticed in the stream. Farman said the bridge was now consented

by Greater Wellington Regional Council.

“Under the environmental rules, it’s quite hard to define if it’s a ford or a drift deck.” Farman Turkington Forestry currently has six blaze-it bridges, with a couple more on the way.

Blazek and Farman said the bridges were manufactured locally at their Carterton base. They said they were considering eventually leasing the bridges to others that would have an interest in using them.

diligence, sales advisory services, analysis and advice for forest owners, resource planning and business strategy, markets and market forecasts, operations and tech solutions.

At its core, Margules Groome stands for objectivity, impartiality and ethical business practice.

Professionalism and integrity underpin everything we do.

margulesgroome.com 03 8199 7937 info@margulesgroome.com www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

31

Mill profile

Tourism no solution for forestry Selective harvesting has minimal impact Philip Hopkins

P

aul Madden laughs at the idea that tourism can replace the forestry industry as a generator of regional employment. Mr Madden is executive chairman of the Arbuthnot red gum timber mill, which is nestled on the Murray River at Koondrook in northern Victoria.

It’s the only mill that processes high quality red gum timber in Victoria and New South Wales. “When governments think tourism is the answer – it’s nonsense.

If we (the community) relied on tourism, we would have gone bust years ago,” he said.

“When the forest is flooded, people can’t camp, which is their main interest. If there is an outbreak of Ross River mosquito diseases, people don’t come.

If there is blue green algae in the river or creek, you can’t be in there. Then if it’s 40 degrees, there are no tourists walking around the streets. All the while, sawmilling has continued here even through Covid. It’s an essential industry.”

However, the mill itself is a tourist destination. While busloads of tourists have visited, they required guiding through an operating mill. The alternative being developed now is a walkway along the riverside to a viewing platform.

“Tourists will not have to be guided. There will be information areas so people can self-guide through.

Plans have been drawn up for it; the local shire is aiming for a grant to help us. It hasn’t come through yet.”

Arbuthnot processes about 7000-8000 cubic metres of high-quality red gum sourced from state forests in both states – 70 per cent from NSW and 30 per cent from Victoria. Some additional timber comes from private property in NSW, and the mill also has a thinning licence for firewood, which is sold in Melbourne.

About 85 per cent of the red gum forests in both states are locked up in national parks and reserves, with the remaining 15 per cent on both sides of the river managed sustainably.

32

There is only enough quota grade quality timber for one main sawmill operation.

“We’re receiving some hardwood logs off private property after the windstorms around Daylesford, as well as red gum. We have accessed some messmate through VicForests following the 2009 bushfires. We did some salvage timber from bushfires, created a market and have continued to supply that market,” Mr Madden said.

A review of red gum volumes from NSW State Forest has been done by the NSW Forest Corporation, but the EPA and the Chief Scientist have yet to complete their approval of the review after almost three years.

“The wood supply agreements in NSW are compensatable if the Government takes it away from us,” Mr Madden said.

Apart from Arbuthnot, a mill at nearby Mathoura processes D grade logs from NSW State Forests, while two companies across the

•

Brent Marshall, who manages the kiln operation, with a laminated dining table. river in Barham - Gelletly Red Gum Firewood and O’Brien’s Red Gum – have rights to 24,000 tonnes of thinning for firewood. In total the red gum industry employs more than 100 fulltime employees, and critical for the local economy, employment and regional expenditure.

“It’s disappointing that the regulator is taking so long to respond,” said company owner Todd Gelletly.

“The industry is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the volume review and is ready to further invest in additional infrastructure and equipment. This would create a further 30-40 full-

If we relied on tourism, we would have gone bust years ago.

time jobs overnight. The additional volume identified will strengthen the local economy,” he said.

Arbuthnot is licensed in Victoria to process timber until June 30, 2024 from what is regarded as a ‘community forest’ – selective operations on a smaller scale than those in the state’s east – that largely supply local markets.

The Andrews Government’s Forest Plan stipulates that native forest harvesting will cease in 2030, but the Government says it supports ongoing efforts to add value to specialty timbers. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning aims to work with communities on how they want to use forests, including the supply of specialty timbers.

Mr Madden said the selective harvesting of the red gum trees had a minimal impact on the multi-aged red gum forest. “Trees that have reached their premium size for milling are usually about 70 centimetres (in diameter) at chest height. The remaining trees are left to grow for the next rotation, about 25 years, and future rotations,” he said.

“We have had uni students come to harvested areas and ask, ‘When are you going to start harvesting?’. It’s very selective. It’s not obvious.”

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

The Arbuthnot timber, with its rich red colour, is used for quality products furniture, flooring, stairs, panelling, bench tops and table-tops. It’s not ideal for veneer, but is crucial for heritage uses. The kilndried timber is handled up to 20 times before it goes out the door “We finger-joint and dock out select grade and make long lengths. This has been a real success for us - engineered product as opposed to a natural sawn piece.

Less forest is available, but we can make more use of it with these techniques – doing more with less,” he said.

“In terms of what we need for the industry to valueadd and spend money on capital for machinery is long-term security – that is the whole key. It’s a longterm industry and trees are a long-term thing… common sense really.”

The Koondrook mill employs 25 people – a sizeable number in a small community. “I believe we will always be in demand. Trees keep growing, there is a need for the timber and it’s a renewable, sustainable resource.

Red gum is a high-quality timber,” Mr Madden said.

Arbuthnot Sawmills, founded by Alexander ‘Sandy’ Arbuthnot in 1889, this year enters its 133rd year of continuous sawmilling in Koondrook. www.timberbiz.com.au

Mill profile •left:From Brett,

Maxine, Bob Katter MP and fellow saw millers.

Selective logging deep in the rainforest Keith Smiley

A

knowledge of the intimacies of timber is key to a bush mill which has lasted over 90 years.

With a couple of changeovers from the original owners, the Catalan family, Ted Herbert cut deep into the wet forests of northern Queensland and established a new era in saw milling at Innisfail.

He departed this world a couple of years back, leaving the business to Maxine Herbert and a legacy of hard work and endeavour. “What he did not know about timber wasn’t worth knowing,” says a proud daughter.

“He never had a sick day in his life and passed away after four days only. He was a great teacher and taught me much about the species of wood and where they could be used. I’ve not been much around the mill over that time because my husband Peter and I own a pub in Aloomba, one and a half hours from the Innisfail mill,” said Maxine.

Perched high on the Queensland coast above Townsville, Innisfail is on the Cassowary Coastal region, famous for its cassowary birds which ‘fly’ about the wet tropics. These birds feel the low vibrating sound made by other cassowaries in the hinterland. www.timberbiz.com.au

• Timber Ted’s truck They have powerful legs to propel them at great speed.

Maxine says these birds can be found in the nearby Tablelands, Mission Beach and Lake Barrine, which is an extinct volcano.

The sawmill has a largish factory floor, big enough to employ six people. Kenny Harris has managed the throughput at Innisfail’ for the past three years, mainly quoting on timber window frames, and hands-on work around the mill. Old stalwart, Warren McLaren has been feted for 35 years of service to Innisfail Sawmill, as a permanent fixture on the landscape. His father worked in the sawmill for 49 years before him. Most days Warren can be seen plaining, cutting floor boards, architraves, and general runabout of the sawmill.

It is this knowledge and collective belief that forms

the backbone of the sawmill, crafted, it might be said, by Maxine’s dad. While Maxine is immersed in the day-to-day operations of her Aloomba pub, the machines at Innisfail keep turning under the stewardship of experienced millers.

Brett Dempsey cuts and transports the logs, logged from private forest properties. He has been a close friend to the Herberts for decades. “Brett can have everything at the mill including ownership, as long as six men can keep their jobs. I do all the bookwork, the men know what they are doing, and I don’t need the drama,” says Maxine. At 65 years old, she is looking for a simpler life. Owning the local Aloomba post office must be adding to the pressure. ‘Aloomba’ is so characteristic of a country watering hole, with enough

flexibility to open and close at will.

“I’m happy for the men and Brett to grow the sawmill business. Warren’s dad worked the mill for 49 years and his grandson is familiarising himself with the work bench and cutting logs.”

Kenny Harris, wins praises from Maxine for ‘lifting the business’, with sales as far away as Darwin, Tablelands and to Cairns. “Everyone is good at what they do.

We employ local Aboriginal workers who’ve picked up the skills quickly. We were approached by an employment agency to take on a worker who has a disability, and he is working out just fine.”

Her eldest son Wesley drives a truck around the area, and her son Travis is a tennis tournament organiser with Griffith University.

He used to be director of Tennis Queensland and still helps them out on weekends. Maxine’s daughter, Jodi, was killed in a motorcycle accident when she was only twenty.

Maxine Herbert is plainspoken, has a bit of the old school, and gives her best to what she knows will work.

It is understandable why someone might give away a business, gratis, when you are thinking of others holding their jobs, an attitude not lost on her dad.

Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

Looking Back 2019 VicForests finished 201718 with a net profit of $1.2 million, no debt and cash in the bank… evidence of its responsible harvesting and strong performance amid challenging circumstances.

Chief Executive Officer Nathan Trushell said VicForests had been committed to harvesting responsibly and sustainably, including making continuing substantial reductions to harvesting Mountain and Alpine Ash in response to the 2009 bushfire.

Mr Trushell described 2017-18 as a year of change, with a new and restructured Executive Team, new and retiring Board members and a refocus on stakeholder engagement.

2016 The Australian Government’s decision to allow for the matching of voluntary contributions to Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) could lead to an increase of $9.4 million investment in innovation.

The decision was announced in conjunction with the Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) and commits the Government to co-investing up to $4.7 million over four years, matched by industry funds, for additional research, development and extension.

2011 KEY STAKEHOLDERS in Australia’s forest and timber industries are engaged in a two-year revision of the Australian Standards for sustainable forest management and the chain of custody process.

Australian Forestry Standard Ltd (AFSL) announced the commencement of the five-yearly revision process of the Australian Standards for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) and Chain of Custody of wood and wood products (AS 4707).

Fitzpatrick Woods Consulting has been appointed to provide an independent management service to the revision project, especially relating to collaborative stakeholder management and standards revision support to the SRCs. 33

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Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

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Australian Forests & Timber News February 2022

35

725D 745D 755D

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Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd. 11/4 Avenue of Americas Newington NSW 2127 Australia T: +61 2 9647 3600 E: info.au@komatsuforest.com